IOC considers postponing Tokyo Games; Canada pulls out

Philip FONG / AFP

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has flagged the prospect of postponing the Tokyo Games for the first time, amid growing concern over the pandemic.

The IOC said it would hold discussions on whether to put back the July 24 start date or even move it by a year or more.

On Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the parliament that they will have to "consider postponing the Games" if holding it in its "complete form" became impossible.

Over the last 48 hours, several major stakeholders have called for a delay due to the pandemic. In a letter to IOC, World Athletics President Seb Coe stressed that holding the Olympics in July "is neither feasible nor desirable".

It comes as Canada became the first country to pull out from the Games over health concerns.